Only 9 days until the big ultrasound!

Here's an update on our baby this week, the 18th week:

Your baby weighs about 5.25 ounces (150g) and now measures 5 to 5.6 inches (12.5 to 14cm) from crown to rump. He is practicing breathing by gulping amniotic fluid into its lungs. This helps the lung's development so they will function at birth. Your baby may also be sucking his thumb.

Meconium is present in your baby's bowels. There is hair present on your baby's scalp and sweat glands are developing.

Your baby is becoming more sensitive to the outside world and is moving around, kicking and punching. As there is still plenty of space in your uterus, your baby can move around a lot, sitting cross-legged, reclining or even turning somersaults!

He can probably hear by now as the ossicles (the bones that pass sound to the inner ear) have hardened and the portion of the brain that receives signals from the brain is under development. Your baby is getting used to the sound of your heartbeat and blood passing through the umbilical cord, but may be startled by loud noises. Your baby is aware of some things in the outside world, including sounds and light. If you let the sun shine on your belly, your baby may be able to perceive a warm red glow.

Posted By Lucia

I have always been very enthusiastic about designing a nursery. I think it's the whimsy and creative aspects of a nursery that intrigue me most. The first element in a nursery that I knew I wanted to incorporate is a black crib. I also knew that I wanted to have a gender neutral room so that it can be used more than once, especially since a lot of work will go into making the bedding, curtains and accessories. Next I knew I wanted to use bright colors, instead of the expected pastel. Our children will definitely be stimulated in their room!

Version 1.0 of our nursery design was done almost a year before a baby was even in the plan. The inspiration for the design was a mobile that I had as a baby. The mobile has hanging wooden painted zoo animals revolving around a zoo keeper. Knowing that most kids love animals, I thought an animal theme would be ideal. Additionally I liked the idea of incorporating the alphabet with the animals, since in no time a baby becomes a toddler who is learning his/her letters.

My enthusiam for getting the nursery design right has been unstoppable at times. I ended up designing and making a 31,000+ knot latch hook RUG to match the nursery design and theme.

Take a LOOK at the current version of the nursery design, we'll call it 2.0. While some people take all of this pre-planning as a little crazy, I view it as a creative outlet; and besides, it is something that I really enjoy.

Posted By Lucia

I have been in denial; thinking that my figure hasn't changed any during this pregnancy. Before I got pregnant, I took a "belly" picture as a way to guage any physical changes once I did get pregnant. Today I took the first pregnancy belly picture at 15 weeks 5 days, to prove that my midsection had not changed any so far. Boy am I wrong and surprised!

Take a look. My midsection has definitely expanded, although I still don't look pregnant, just thicker.

Posted By Lucia

Last week I had my 15th week appointment at 14w2d -- strange how 14w#d is considered the 15th week. I wasn't scheduled to go in until this week, but I was having terrible headaches as well as a high heart rate, so I went in a few days early. Nothing came of the headaches or the hight heart rate (both normal during pregnancy). The high heart rate is partially a symptom of my low blood pressure.

During the appointment I did get to HEAR the baby's heart beat; a first and a milestone to note in the baby book. The doctor I saw was another in the rotation and I thought he was very personable. We scheduled the next appointment for November 2 which will include the BIG ultrasound. So, in less than three weeks we should be able to find out if we are having a little boy or a little girl; that is as long as the baby isn't shy! The Wilke household has a feeling that the baby is a boy. We shall see!

Posted By Lucia